Starting next week Uber will be introducing a new driver hours policy across the UK to help enhance driver and passenger safety.

The new policy means that a licensed driver on the app must take an uninterrupted 6 hour break after 10 hours of time on a trip with a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger after confirming a trip request. Drivers who do not take a long enough break will not be able to log in to the app and take trips.

We believe this is an industry first and are not aware of any other private hire operator in the UK that has introduced such a limit.

Andrew Byrne, Uber’s Head of Policy, said:

“Licensed drivers who use our app really value the freedom and flexibility to choose if, when and where they work. And while drivers only spend an average of 30 hours a week logged into our app, we want to do our part to ensure they don’t drive tired.

“That’s why we’ve been sending drivers regular reminders to take rest breaks and why we’re now bringing in these new limits. On top of features like GPS tracking of every trip it’s another example of how Uber uses technology to help enhance driver and passenger safety.

“We continue to listen to feedback and plan to make other changes and improvements over the coming months.”